Best Mods for an Africa Twin

Subscribe for more videos like this one. If you are interested in some of the gear I use to both for the bike and to make these videos check out the links below.
~CAMERA GEAR~
Main Camera: amzn.to/2SZcQ7i
Favorite Vlog Lens: amzn.to/3yyFWJR
Favorite Photo Lens: amzn.to/3AEQzwt
Rode Mic: amzn.to/3k38uqZ
Cheaper Mic: amzn.to/3yFojrB
Helmet Camera: amzn.to/2UBbmjR
360 Camera: amzn.to/3jXE4Gk
Drone: amzn.to/2VnFQq8
~BIKE MODS~
Puig Touring Windscreen: amzn.to/3jYvMOn
Fork Tunnel Shield: amzn.to/3ws7z5Z
Garmin Zumo XT: amzn.to/2Uy8JiS
Camel ADV Brace
Camel ADV Footpegs
Camel ADV Camel Toe Kickstand
Outback Motortek Crash Bars
Outback Motortek Skid Plate
Outback Motortek Pannier Rack
Outback Motortek Center Stand
Tires: amzn.to/3kaK3If
Mosko Moto Nomad Tank Bag
Mosko Moto Hood Tank Bag
Mosko Moto Backcountry 35L Panniers
Mosko Moto Backcountry 40L Duffle
Rok Straps: amzn.to/3wrRzk8
~RIDING GEAR~
Jacket: amzn.to/3dWPrL8
Pants: amzn.to/2UzvpiV
Gloves: amzn.to/36klQ9V
Helmet: amzn.to/2TGPLGX
~CAMPING GEAR~
Tent: amzn.to/2VnHxE0
Sleeping Pad: amzn.to/3qXYIHL
Sleeping Bag: amzn.to/3yDDmSG
Pillow: amzn.to/36p0Peh
Chair: amzn.to/3qTZUMm
Gas Stove: amzn.to/3dWwVlX
Wood Stove: amzn.to/2VhEUn3
Cook set: amzn.to/2UwojvA
Alt. Cook Set: amzn.to/3hmLNMy
Coffee Press: amzn.to/3wmrwuF
Headlamp: amzn.to/36rIZY0
Tent Fan/Light: amzn.to/2SY889V
Garmin inReach Mini: amzn.to/3xsvZgV
Hatchet: amzn.to/2Uz5lUO
Leatherman: amzn.to/3AEkRPY
Cook Knife: amzn.to/2TGg7c5
DISCLOSURE: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase and/or subscribe. Affiliate commissions help fund videos like this one.

[@rosslangerak8361]

You replaced the skid plate and crash guards to go touring? I've dropped my 2019 ATAS a couple times and, except for the hand guards, the stock protection has been adequate. The AT is already heavy, so you need a really good reason to add extra weight. If you think you'll need extra protection someday, then you should get it someday. I have a 2019 ATAS. I'm 6 feet tall and the stock windscreen was still too tall. It prevented wind from reaching the vents in my helmet on hot days, and allowed my face shield to fog on cold days. The bracket holding the windscreen is the same for all 2016-2019 AT's. I replaced my stock windscreen with a short screen from an AT. It works much better. I wouldn't mind going even shorter.

[@AmpdMoto1]

Thanks for watching and commenting. I almost went ATAS but didn’t like the bulk for off road. The stock protection is not adequate at all for real off road. If you only do road and maybe some gravel then stock protection is fine but I mean I do that stuff on my Harley too. When I say touring that means a combo of road miles and usually some exploring on single track or rough two track. I’d rather add a little weight and be completely protected. I’ve personally seen a couple stock skid plates get punctures by some rocks. The aftermarket one I added is beefy but is also aluminum so it’s not as heavy as you think. I get about 240 miles of range on average fully loaded for a trip so I’m more than happy with that range. As for the windscreen I love my setup but that aspect of the bike varies vastly person to person. I’m definitely no elitist though so I say build it the way it works best for you and most importantly just get out and ride and have an adventure. Take care and ride safe.

[@rosslangerak8361]

@@AmpdMoto1 My definition of touring would not include single track or rough two track. There would be no real off road. That would be adventure riding. Touring is asphalt with the occasional easy dirt road. As you say, the stock protection is fine. There may come a time when I feel I need more protection, but I haven't reached it yet. If you feel you need the extra protection, you are not touring. I live in Everett, Washington. I ride almost every day, year round. Just at home, I deal with temperatures ranging from single digits to, this year, over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. I take periodic rides into the desert southwest. On one ride, temperatures ranged from 115 degrees in Death Valley to 30 degrees in the high desert of Oregon. I need air reaching my visor to clear fog. I need air reaching my helmet vents to cool my head. I need air reaching my chest to cool me down. I rarely get to ride in the Goldilocks zone. A simple day ride into Eastern Washington can start at 50 degrees at home, hit 40 degrees in the pass, and reach 90 degrees at Dry Falls. My motorcycle and my gear have to do it all.

[@AmpdMoto1]

If traveling through multiple states and taking long distance trips isn’t touring then please enlighten me. Just because we also explore trails along the way doesn’t mean it’s not touring. Like I said to each their own. I’m not here to tell others how to do things. I ride year round as well and have done so for years so I’m very aware of how the climate can effect things.

[@rosslangerak8361]

@@AmpdMoto1 Wouldn't that be adventure riding? I'm not saying you shouldn't beef up the skid plate and crash guards for riding off road. I'm just saying, if you need that protection, you aren't touring. There are people who tour on their adventure bikes and never leave the pavement. I had a DR-Z400 for a few years. I asked riders on a forum what they were doing when something impacted their skid plate. I got a couple of good responses. They were doing things that I never expected to do, so I decided the stock protection would be adequate for my needs. Others criticized even asking the question. They thought I should get a better skid plate because when you go off road you just need a stronger skid plate because it's a stronger skid plate and you just have to have a stronger skid plate. They never did answer the actual question. You said you had seen skid plates get punctured by rocks. I would like to know what those riders were doing when they punctured their skid plates. If I never expect to see those conditions, then there is no reason for me to upgrade my skid plate. I'm not trying to tell others how to do things either. Just giving a different perspective. There's no need to live with the extra weight of a beefed up skid plate and crash guards if you don't need them. Getting a little extra air to the body and helmet can be a good thing.

[@AmpdMoto1]

@@rosslangerak8361 I think we’re just splitting hairs at this point when it comes to defining touring. I see touring as travel and just like with anything else people all do things differently. I’ve even taken my Harley down dirt roads and to dispersed camping sites which that bike is definitely not meant to do and I considered those trips touring and not adventure riding as well. I think the term “adventure riding” is a bit of an overused thing considering adventure can be so many different things. Sounds like for you stock protection is more than adequate and you prefer lower windscreens and that’s fine. Most of the damage I’ve seen to ADV bikes has been from single track or more aggressive off road riding but I’ve actually witnessed one AT have the skid punctured on a very mild dirt and gravel road. It was probably more of a freak thing but basically a large rock happened to flip up and punch through the skid and cracked the oil pan. He didn’t see the rock or expect it to be on that road so it was a real shock and bummer. I’ve also witnessed several other ADV bikes go down fairly hard on a mountain road in the winter covered with ice and snow, mine included, which we never planned to be subjected to as we were just out traveling and didn’t expect to end up in snow and ice. Poor planing or blind optimism on that one? Yeah, maybe but then again I like to be prepared for any situation. Like I said that was probably a freak thing though so I wouldn’t say spend the money on protection just for some highly unlikely event. I do agree with you that several forums are full of people that all just push crash protection and parts regardless of the riders need. Maybe its because they all want to just feel cool and fit in but I’m not one to assume everyone needs the same thing out of a bike. It’s honestly a little weird how people get an ADV bike and automatically slap crash bars and such on even if they have no intention to leave the road. I mean you wouldn’t do that with any other type of street bike. I can definitely appreciate your perspective and am not here to judge at all. I built my bike over time based on needs I had for the type riding I like to do and I would hope others would do the same for themselves. This video is actually a decent bit outdated so I really need to do more of an update.

[@aladinabughazaleh7306]

Very helpful - thank you. Did you consider converting the wheels to tubeless to simplify flat repairs on tours? I have been thinking of the AT and love the simplicity of the dash and controls on the pre 2020 models, but the tubes have held me back so far. I have seen many videos on the tubeless conversion and just wondering what you thought.

[@AmpdMoto1]

Thanks for checking it out. I really need to update this video a little. I personally prefer tubes as I like to also explore off road and tubes are more reliable on the trail. That being said I’ve seen several people convert to tubeless and love it so really in the end it just comes down to personal preference.

[@gmarlett84]

Go tubeless. Get the Excel wheels.

[@AmpdMoto1]

@@gmarlett84 Nothing wrong with going tubeless but I personally prefer to stick with tubes.

[@r87y]

As daunting as the electronics initially seem. You really do get the hang on them quickly. I got a 21 ATAS a few weeks ago and it was overwhelming initially but after getting some miles with it I feel they are pretty intuitive. I have about 2k miles on her now including a 20 hour trip over a few days and I now appreciate that the Honda engineers seemed to think it out well despite feeling the opposite initially. As this is an older post I hope you already have the bike you want but if not don’t discount post 20’ over the electronics. It’s a great bike

[@mborski8721]

Great video. Thinking of getting a AT....you're not helping!

[@AmpdMoto1]

Go for it! Maybe I’ll make an update video to help push you over the edge haha.

[@laryangel4082]

Oo

[@marklonergan3114]

lovely bike

[@TBdown70]

Hey what brand were your foot pegs I have a 2016 Africa twin and have been looking for new foot pegs

[@AmpdMoto1]

Camel ADV. highly recommended.

[@TBdown70]

@@AmpdMoto1 thank you bro hey put a Arkapovic slip on it takes a shit load of weight of the bike gives the bike more power and looks great.

[@AmpdMoto1]

@@TBdown70 I’ve thought about it but not sure if I want to run a tuner or not on this bike. I also don’t really want too much noise since I use this bike for longer trips and commuting. Like being able to hear my Sena clearly.

[@TBdown70]

@@AmpdMoto1 I didn't have to put a tuner 0n my bike had no problems and it's not that loud of a pipe

[@Jeremiah_Johnson139]

I can't remember for sure, but didn't Honda make the AT tires tubeless within the last couple of model years?

[@AmpdMoto1]

No they are still tube type which is my preference personally. You could always swap them though if you prefer tubeless.

[@mardelplatalimousines3423]

So true, good review, best regards from Catalonia 🤟

[@Dmckmaw]

Ghetto rigged… really

[@AmpdMoto1]

Because I had to wait on handguard plastics? Glad my ghetto bike got your attention. Have a nice day!

[@keyboarddancers7751]

AT is the most effective litre+ continental ADV application. *The Girl On A Bike* has proven its off road accessibility to most competent riders. Of all the big full size ADVs I think I'd rather be on the AT if I was crossing some very isolated territories in some parts of the world.

[@AmpdMoto1]

Couldn’t agree more. I find the ergonomics great and the reliability of it was a major selling point.

[@2004gumby]

Have links for all the mods?

[@AmpdMoto1]

I’ll try and update links soon but most of the parts are from Outback Motortek, Camel ADV, and Mosko Moto if you want to look their websites up.

[@johnhoover916]

BIke looks great! I'm biased though as I have many of the same mods. lol. The game changer for me was the Seat Concepts upgrade. I can ride all day now, whereas with the stock seat my back would be killing me after 2 to 3 hours. Have a great riding season. Cheers

[@AmpdMoto1]

Thanks for checking it out. I need to make an update so I can also recommend tire choice. I actually don’t mind the stock seat and have done numerous multi day trips on it. But my previous trip bike had the worst seat ever so maybe that’s why this one feels fine. Take care and ride safe.

[@biophillie]

I have the same bike.. Love her! Nice vid..

[@AmpdMoto1]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@FloridaDualSport]

Nice review. What is the brand of the crash bars you installed. Thanks

[@AmpdMoto1]

It’s the Outback Motortek Ultimate protection combo.

[@jimjim2334]

I wrapped all exhaust pipes with titanium wrap cloth, ( including headers) then secured with stainless zip ties and finished off ( after running for 30 minutes ) with 2000 degree silicone - ceramic clear coating. The bike runs cooler and performance is up as well as reducing heat on the rider. On the stock muffler I pulled off the chrome heat shield and installed a double layer of 1800 degree welding felt fire blanket and then re-installed the chrome. Added a ALT Rider heat shield, With all of that, it takes about 2 hours of highway riding for all of it to " burn in" and completely stop smoking ( not bad though). Now everything is nice and cool ( or just warm) offsetting the increased engine heat due to a heavy duty skid plate restricting some of the air flow around the engine. Not to mention, it looks really great! No more ugly headers. So if you get everything wet, the pipes should not be wet, but just let the bike idle for 10 minutes just to be safe, before storage to get everything nice and dry. ( P.S. = wrap starting from the back forward and soak the wrap in water so that it will lay better and pull tighter)

[@AmpdMoto1]

Thanks for the info. I’ve actually thought about doing that but I commute 2 hrs a day and haven’t really had the heat bother me yet so it has not been a priority. Definitely good info thought. Ride safe.

[@jimjim2334]

I hear ya on the heat. I did it to cancel out the small amount of additional heat around the engine due to large skid plate and so i dont feel the need to polish the headers. Prosper and ride well…

[@grim3228]

Bought the same bike same year same colour. Went for my first ride yesterday. Love it.

[@AmpdMoto1]

Nice! It’s a great bike. Ride safe.

[@bradlymccomb2991]

Great looking bike. I'm taking delivery of my '21 ATAS in May and plan to do similar add-ons/mods. 👍

[@AmpdMoto1]

Thank you. You’ll love the bike. I’d like to say the mods are done but doubt it. Haha

[@Elcajonhobbies]

What mount did you use for the Mosko to the pannier rack ? Is it the wedge plate from mosko and then bolted onto the pannier ?

[@AmpdMoto1]

Yes it’s the wedge type plate system that they use. You slide them on then there is a latch that locks them in place.

[@victorresendez2652]

@@AmpdMoto1 for the quick response keep up the great videos coming

[@nickolausentrekin143]

Is your outback motortek an asymmetrical or symmetrical?

[@AmpdMoto1]

Symmetrical. Both 35L. It’s really pointless to buy the asymmetrical pair IMO because the panniers have compression straps anyway so you can always just compress one of them if you wanted to. It’s so close anyway that it doesn’t bother me.

[@JozsaMarton]

no protection for the headlights? hmm.

[@AmpdMoto1]

I personally don’t feel I need it or at least haven’t yet. I might eventually pick it up though. There are world travelers that don’t use it so I wouldn’t consider it a must have.

[@gmarlett84]

Need new tires bro! Get rid of those slicks!

[@AmpdMoto1]

This is an old video but I’m proud to say I made it over a mountain on snow and Ice with these “slicks”. Slid everywhere and had fun. But yes they’ve been upgraded since.

[@jackk8422]

Tourtech has a ton of quality AT parts and accessories.

[@AmpdMoto1]

Yes they do but I have have chosen other options.

[@jackk8422]

@THanks Adventures black dog cycle works sells some really high quality stuff to. I have their skidplate and radiator guards

[@AmpdMoto1]

@@jackk8422 I’ve seen their stuff it’s pretty nice. I’ve been happy with the outback motortek setup

[@tomcrowther3913]

I've got the same year bike but black, dct model. Love it. Adding mods as time goes by. What a great bike.

[@rocketrollsvlogs7625]

Thanks for sharing the mods. I was covering doing the same bootleg modification with the barkbusters and Honda wind deflectors. I just bought my AT two wks ago and my windshield is on order.

[@AmpdMoto1]

Thanks for watching! I did finally get some proper barkbusters plastics. Windshield was the first thing I changed on the bike.

[@savardr6]

The best mod You guys can do on your africa twin is trading it for a T7!! Then you’ll know what a real motorcycle his!!

[@AmpdMoto1]

Hard pass on that. Don’t get me wrong I like the T7 but I’d choose the AT any day.

[@RogueMogul]

very informative

[@MatthewWilliamsCFDEV]

Ditto

[@in2ADV]

Bomb proof! All really cool mods! :-)

[@AmpdMoto1]

Thanks for checking it out